Abstracts available here - Society for Conservation Biology

25th International Congress for Conservation Biology • Auckland, New Zealand • 5-9 December 2011
building on the Marine Geospatial Ecology Tools (MGET) developed at
the Nicholas School of the Environment at Duke University, which allow
for batch-downloading the individual ocean current datasets and include
tools for creating averages. This presentation includes a demonstration of
the capabilities of the new tool and a discussion of the limitations.
2011-12-08 18:30 The effects of moose over-browsing on forest
bird communities in Gros Morne National Park, Newfoundland and
Labrador, Canada
Rae, LF*, Memorial University of Newfoundland; Whitaker,
DM, Parks Canada; Warkentin, IG, Memorial University of
Newfoundland;
Habitat loss is regarded as a major factor contributing to the decline of
songbirds in North America. The boreal forest provides important breeding
habitat that allows songbirds to meet specific requirements for vital activities
such as foraging and nesting. However on the island of Newfoundland in
eastern Canada, over-browsing by introduced moose (Alces alces) can alter
the pattern of forest regeneration following disturbance, leading to the
conversion of densely stocked balsam fir (Abies balsamea) forests to habitat
dominated by grasses and shrubs. Such impaired forest regeneration is
particularly prevalent in Gros Morne National Park (GMNP), where moose
greatly exceed typical population densities due to a lack of natural predators
and prohibition of hunting. To evaluate the impact of moose-induced
habitat change on songbird communities, we conducted point counts
(n=604) across GMNP during the 2010 breeding season. We compared
species abundance and richness across sites having varying degrees of moose
disturbance. A similar number of species were observed at severely impaired
(9.0±2.4, mean±SD) and healthy (8.5±2.2) regenerating sites. While some
species showed a strong association with healthy regenerating balsam fir
forest (e.g. Magnolia Warbler) others showed an increase in abundance
associated with moose-disturbed habitat (e.g. Mourning Warbler).
2011-12-07 11:14 Communicating about Conservation: Endangered
Species Conservation on the US Gulf Coast
Ragland, CJ*, Dept. Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences, Texas A&M
University; Bernacchi, LA, Dept. Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences,
Texas A&M University; Barbour, JB, Dept. of Communication,
Texas A&M University; Peterson, TR, Dept. of Wildlife and Fisheries
Sciences, Texas A&M University;
This study examines how society lives with and conserves endangered
species, focusing on the case of Whooping Cranes (Grus americanus)
on the U.S. Gulf coast using a network analysis framework to examine
structures of communication about crane and habitat conservation among
actors involved in decisions that affect crane management. The analysis
is based on data obtained from 36 semi-structured interviews which
were transcribed, coded, and analyzed using a network algorithm to
investigate the relationships between individual actors in terms of how they
communicate about crane conservation in a socio-political context. Because
meaning is actualized through communication, how people communicate
about conservation reflects the likelihood of positive movement towards
successful management. Communication network analysis is especially
useful for clarifying how relations are developed and revealed through
different societal functions. Network ties between pairs of individuals
represent shared intensity of communication within each societal domain.
Network density was used as a measure of integration and network
cohesion. By examining stakeholder perceptions, we identified barriers
to conservation that can be addressed by specific management options
that simultaneously provide opportunities for local voices to influence
development and planning in the region, and engage in joint learning about
the biological needs of the species.
2011-12-08 15:00 Conservation genetics and management of the
Mauritius parakeet (Psittacula echo)
Raisin, C.*, DICE, University of Kent, University of Kent, Canterbury,
Kent. CT2 7NR. UK; Jones, C. G., Durrell Wildlife Conservation
Trust, Les Augres Manor, Trinity, Jersey. JE3 5BP; Greenwood, A.,
Wildlife Vets International, Keighley Business Centre, South Street,
Keighley, West Yorkshire BD21 1AG. UK; Zuel, N., Mauritian
Wildlife Foundation, Grannum Road, Vacoas, Mauritius, Indian
Ocean.; Groombridge, J. J., DICE, University of Kent, University of
Kent, Canterbury, Kent. CT2 7NR. UK;
As the number of threatened species worldwide continues to increase,
conservation management programs are being implemented in more
and more cases. One example of such a managed species is the
endemic Mauritius parakeet (Psittacula echo). A management program
implemented in the 1980s has seen the population recover from less than
20 individuals to over 500. The species was intensively managed from the
year 2000 until 2005, when the emergence of an infectious disease caused
many of the interventions to be ceased, although less invasive management
continues today. A population genetic assessment of the species indicates
that intensive management has redistributed genetic diversity between two
previously isolated sub-populations. In addition to this, both molecular
and pedigree measures have revealed varying levels of inbreeding in the
recovered population and birds that that test positive for PBFD have
been found to be significantly more inbred than those that test negative.
Although the intensive management doubtlessly contributed to the
recovery of the population it is also likely to have contributed to the spread
of the disease. As such, conservation practitioners must consider the range
of potential consequences of intensive management and make management
decisions accordingly.
2011-12-07 14:45 Achieving wildlife corridors in densely populated
and fragmented landscapes: the experience from “Elephant Corridors”
in India
Raman Sukumar*, Indian Institute of Science; Vivek Menon,
Wildlife Trust of India;
Wildlife corridors serve important ecological functions such as permitting
the movement of species across their natural range of habitat, maintaining
gene flow, population viability and evolutionary potential, as well as
in recent times the anticipated migration needed in order for species to
adapt to a changing climate in the future. Corridors for large-bodied,
long ranging and charismatic vertebrates such as the elephant also serve
as passages for a host of smaller animals that share its habitat. Protecting
or strengthening existing corridors, or restoring old corridors, present
numerous challenges – ecological, social, legal and political. In this talk we
discuss these challenges with respect to our experience with a large number
of “elephant corridors” in India. After presenting the landscape-level picture
of elephant distribution and corridors across fragmented habitats, we go to
discuss the “real world” issues of establishing corridors with illustrations
from our work at several places in the country. We also explore the various
options available for strengthening corridors, from acquisition or purchase
of land, to community-based incentives (conservation easements) and using
carbon credit mechanisms under the climate change conventions.
2011-12-08 18:30 Distribution and status of the Mindoro Bleeding
Heart Pigeon (Gallicolumba platenae) on Mt. Siburan, Sablayan,
Occidental Mindoro, Philippines
Ramayla, SP*, Phil. Science High School-Central Visayas Campus;
Rico, ELB, FFI; Dimaranan, JE, WCSP; Dimas, JC, WCSP;
Alviola, PA, UPLB;
The Mindoro Bleeding Heart Pigeon Gallicolumba platenae (IUCN:
Critically Endangered) is an endemic species found only on the island
of Mindoro, Philippines. Preliminary information on the ecology of the
species is rudimentary and only based from anecdotal reports. Thus, this
study aimed to obtain and provide ecological information of the target
species which is needed to draw up a plan of action for the protection
and conservation of these birds. A combination of Point-Count Transects,
purposive searches and interviewing key informants were employed to
gather primary data. The habitat of each sighting was assessed following
Heaney’s habitat description form. Presence of MBH was correlated to
the type of micro-habitat and to severity of anthropogenic disturbance in
the area. Among the five sampling sites, MBH were observed in Siburan,
Malate and Tandacan only. A nest with two newly laid eggs was found in
Tandacan area. Habitat destruction and trapping/hunting were the primary
threats to the MBH population in the area, e.g two MBH were ensnared
through a ‘silo’ during the study period. As a result, it was recommended
that trapping be regulated and an intensive information and education
campaign be mounted to ensure the protection of the species.
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